The Educational System of Homeopathy in Germany

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Along with the worldwide upswing of homeopathy, more and more medical doctors, laymen and practicioners use homeopathy as their favourite method of treatment. Educational institutions and schools steadily increase in number. Laymen commonly visit adult education centres to get insight into a therapeutic system which they expect to make them independent from professional therapists in minor acute cases of affected health. Homeopathic remedies are easily accessible in pharmacies, and so self-treatment is increasingly being practiced. Especially mothers use to exchange their experiences in homeopathically treating their children in minor cases of disorders. A great number of them are real fans of homeopathy. The quality of such introductory courses to homeopathy has a great variation depending on the qualification and education of the lecturer.

Since 1991 (7th amendment of the medical registration regulations), homeopathy is part of the catalogue of educational aims in medical education. Therefore, all medical faculties offer lectures in homeopathy. Almost every university supports study groups which commonly have been found by committed students of medicine. The study groups regularly come together by the â€žWilseder Students Forum of Homeopathy” and they organize homeopathy courses of further education in homeopathy, partly covering several semesters. The qualification of physicians in homeopathy is regulated since the mid 50’s. Qualifying courses are offered by the DZVhÃ„ (German Central Association of Homeopathic Physicians).

In 1980, the state parliament of Bavaria, Germany, decided to request at the national government to induce a study covering the prerequisites for chairs of homeopathy in German universities. The medical faculties of Nürnberg-Erlangen, Würzburg and Munich expressed rejection. Still, we can meet more activities, like the ones of the ‘Karl and Veronica Carstens-Foundation’, that have set the longterm goal to introduce homeopathy to German universities. The base of the goal is, that present studies justify the integration of homeopathy to the medical faculties.

The first professor of homeopathy was Dr. Hahnemann habilitating in 1812 and lecturing for almost a decade at the University of Leipzig. The total number of chairs in homeopathy that we have seen so far is very small. Professors who already had a chair and who included homeopathic thoughts into their lectures especially were Josef von Zlatarovich (1807-1874, Vienna), Georg von Rapp (1818-1886, Tübingen), Joseph Reubel (1779-1852, Munich), Johann Nepomuk von Ringseis (1785-1880, Munich), Hugo Schulz (1853-1932, Greifswald) and August Bier (1861-1949, Berlin). No one of the above mentioned persons owned a chair in homeopathy.

The first professor who is not primarily an academic and has no voice in faculty matters was Joseph Benedikt Buchner (1813-1879, Munich). Others were Hanns Rabe (1890-1959) and Alfons Stiegele (1871-1956). Real institutionalization with the acceptance of homeopathy as a separate subject never has been realized. The reason why may be due to the fact that the lobby of homeopathy always was pretty small. Also the people still favoured conventional medicine rather than homeopathy and, the next fact comes from within the homeopathic community, homeopathy ALWAYS was accompanied by internal quarrels of different schools.

Nowadays, private homeopathic schools exist in a remarcable number. They may follow different homeopathic philosophies related to Dr. Hahnemann, Kent or other masters in the field. Or they combine homeopathy together with different ideological, religious, psychological or alternative-medical methods. Therefore, the scope of the courses varies a lot. Even though many of such schools ensure their students to gain qualification, this qualification not necessarily is accepted by established homeopathic associations and official institutions. This fact makes it very difficult for patients to evaluate the real qualification of a therapist.

This situation is unbearable and it is very promising that activities have started to centralize the process of certification. This is the topic of the next chapter:

The valid qualifications, registration bodies…

Among the bodies offering certificates of qualification, I choose the two of which I think they have the most serious approach to the problem together with the best prospect for the future.

The federal general medical council has decided, that the additional name ‘homeopathy’ only can be earned after acceptance as medical specialist. The federal general medical council intends to reduce the necessary further training from 300 hours to 100 hours only, from 6 courses to 4. The DZVhÃ„ still insists on 300 hours for the period of 3 years and 6 courses lasting one week each as the minimum requirement.

The course-criteria that are demanded are the following:

– complete consideration of the curriculum of the DZVhÃ„

– quality control of the courses by means of written anonymous opinion poll by the members of the course.

– course leaders and lecturers have to participate at congresses for lecturers and in the further development of the curriculum of the DZVhÃ„.

– qualification of the course leader of every single course: authority to give further education and regular further training.

– observance to follow the sequence of the courses from A to C (certificate of the former course is required prior to acceptance to the course.

– at most 30 participants / course

– admission to the courses exclusively for physicians, dentists, vets and pharmacists.

A masters degree can be achieved only after medical registration and the course will not be given at university. This special course lasts for two years. This course does not replace the further education as required by the federal general medical council.

This new foundation started at November 1st, 2003. The main goals of the foundation are:

– certification of homeopaths

– accreditation of homeopathic schools

– registration of lecturers

– registration of supervisors

The qualifying homeopathic education as recommended according to the curriculum of the SHZ includes at least 550 hours of lectures (45 minutes each) and 1250 hours (45 minutes each) of home-studies according to a given curriculum. The duration of the course is 3 years.

Homeopaths already practicing can apply for registration. They are asked to submit their certificates to have their suitability proven. The decision is taken by two members of the board.

The above shows that activities have started to centralize the proof of qualification of homeopaths and practicioners of homeopathy and to regulate the contents of the curriculum of a course in homeopathy. Certainly it will take a good number of years until the goal that is aimed at will be achieved. At least there is a new development going on that will reverse the divergence in homeopathic education. Hopefully, all of the schools will join the efforts that have started. Not only students in homeopathy will get benefit from this, but also their future patients – and we shall not forget – homeopathy as an accepted art of healing as well.

About the author

Siegfried Letzel

Siegfried Letzel - After working in ambulance service in Germany he assisted the German Red Cross in disaster relief following an earthquake in Algeria. He also worked with the League of Red Cross Societies in Geneva, Switzerland. He was sent to Darfur in Sudan to give support to refugees in emergency camps. Subsequently he studied biology in the Philippines and later became qualified as a natural health professional, specializing in TCM and homeopathy. For the last couple years he has been studying historical papers and the works of early homeopaths in search for the original and true homeopathy.

Thanks for posting valuable information about Homoeopathy, I m a homoeopathic Doctor i have qualified four years study in pakistan & regestered by National Council of Homoeopathy, I have long experience of clenical prectice, & Now I want further study by to complete master degree in homoeopathy in germany. Pl let me know the name Of institution & procedger of admission.. thanks, mahmood

Will you please give me the information about the criteria of getting admission in your institute.for the more i have a qualification of community medical assistant ,I.SC.and various allopathic hospital experience as a(cardiaC) cath -lab techanician,O.T. technician,in the cardiology non-invasive,invasive ,semi-invasive techanician.(ECG,ECHO,TMT,PFT,CABG,PTCA. i want admision in BHMS coure

Dear sir, Thanks for posting a valuable information about Homoeopathy.Also i will be grateful if u give information about how to apply in a homoeopathic college there,as i have recently completed my 3 years HHA(Homoeopathic Health Assistant)course.Hope u would reply me wit a good information. Yours sincerely, Ranju.

Dear sir, Thanks for posting a valuable information about Homoeopathy.Also i will be grateful if u give information about how to apply in a homoeopathic college there,as i have recently admitted in BHMS in Bangladesh. Hope u would reply me wit a good information. Yours sincerely, imam

Dear sir/ I am glad to see the useful information about homoeopathy . I am a homoeopathic doctor ( DHMS BHMS-1) Now I would like to study in Germany, so what is the process for visa and also immigration to Germany please . best regard DR Bais khan.

I m a homoeopathic Doctor i have qualified four years study in Pakistan & regestered by National Council of Homoeopathy. Now I want further study to complete master degree in homoeopathy in germany. Pl let me know the name Of institution & procedure of admission at Germany for Pakistanis.

R/sir, I am Baidar Bakht from pakistan, I am a qualified homoeopath and i have DHMS diploma,i also have 12 years experience in homoeopathy system of treatment,now i wish to apply for specialisation in Germany. Kindly sir tell me the processs of visa for this purpose. thanks.

respected sir, I am Dr. Nidhi Digwa from delhi, India. I am a homoeopathic graduate from delhi university. I want to continue with my education in field of homoeopathy from Germany. Kindly guide me through same as soon as possible. I have an experience of 2 yrs of practise now. thanking you.

A good informative article. It is sad that there is no central organised system in Germany a country from where this wonderful system originated. Why teaching of Homeopathy could not enter the main stream education system is puzzling. Is it politics or something lacking in Homeopathy it self.

R/sir, I’m Dr.Erum Khalid from Pakistan. I’ve qualified DHMS diploma at 2011. Now i wanna continue with my education in field of homoeopathy from Germany. I’ve an experience of 1 yr practice now, Kindly guide me through same as soon as possible.

I am dr arsalan shimwari from pakistan.I am qualified homoeopathic and I have DHMS diploma.I also have 8 years experience in homoeopathy system of treatment now I wish specializations in gar many.hope u would reply me with good information.with best regard dr arsalan shinwari

Thanks for posting valuable information about Homoeopathy, I m a homoeopathic Doctor i have qualified four years study in pakistan & regestered by National Council of Homoeopathy, I have long experience of clenical prectice, & Now I want further study by to complete master degree in homoeopathy in germany. Pl let me know the name Of institution & procedger of admission.. now i am in italy and diploma in laboratory assistant plus Fsc

I haven’t been around this essay for a long time. If I had known that there are questions being posted regarding studying and practicing in Germany, then I’d returned earlier.

If you want to practice homeopathy in Germany, then the first step I would take is to visit the German embassy of your country. Qualifications are so different in many countries and so there will not be a general procedure.

So, instead of having me to give an improper advice, would you kindly take the effort to visit and learn from the officers in the German embassies how to get your qualifications acknowledged. And yes, Dr. Ayaz was right: you will need to learn the language.

Very true sir but want to study in Germany I am DHMS doctor practicing last 5years my own clinic I want further study in this field kindly tell me about rule and regulation about Germany I am from Pakistan regards to u and every one thanks a lot ….

Respected Sir/Madam, i want to go to abroad for my further study in BHMS in Homeopathy because i have DHMS passed already .please send me all requirment annual fee and Bank statement etc.as early as possible .

Mr. Ijaz, BHMS is the graduate level degree course in homeopathy offered in India. Germany does not offer BHMS courses. In Germany, most homeopaths are first trained in conventional medicine, then they undergo post-graduate training in homeopathy. I believe rules for practice in Germany are rather strict. Since you have done your diploma – DHMS, you can inquire with homeopathic colleges in India about bridge courses, that might enable you to get a BHMS degree after further study of a few years. Good luck.

Dear sir/ I am glad to see the useful information about homoeopathy . I Have Diploma In homoeopathic Pharmacy ( D.H.P) Now I would like to study in Germany, so what is the process for visa and also immigration to Germany please Reply Me ASAP. THANKS & Best Regard Sharanjeet Singh

I m a homoeopathic Doctor i have qualified four years study in Pakistan & regestered by National Council of Homoeopathy. Now I want further study to complete master degree in homoeopathy in germany. Pl let me know the name Of institution & procedure of admission at Germany for Pakistanis.

My name is Alanna Maharaj and I am 19 years old. I am from South Africa. I am interested in studying Homeopathy at this institute. Please could you forward me information on fees and other relevant information I may need to know.

Dear sir/ I am glad to see the useful information about homoeopathy . I am a homoeopathic doctor ( DHMS 4 years) Now I would like to study in Germany, so what is the process for visa and also immigration to Germany please . best regard DR ZAINAB SUMBAL from PAKISTAN.

NYC too see this use full articles thanks a lot air yeah I too wana more study in Germany I am DHMS homeopathic physician practiceing last 5year kindy tell me about homeopathic study in Germany I will b thankful to u sir form Pakistan ???